Christina Stephanos Interviewed for Special Ed Connection Article on Retaliation in Virtual Learning
Media Mention
(New Britain, PA) - While parents have a right to advocate for their child's needs, how can school districts successfully prevent retaliation claims in online learning this year? That was the issue at hand in an article featuring insight from Sweet Stevens partner Christina Stephanos. "Tip of the Week: Preempt Retaliation Claims in Virtual Learning," was published in the October 1, 2020 issue of "Special Ed Connection." Special Ed Connection is the offical publication of www.specialedconnection.com, a website created by special education attorneys, editors, journalists, and others who research federal statutes and regulations, legal cases, federal policies and news from all over the U.S. to share interpretations, applications, and tips.
The article discussed the difficulty parents may face in reaching the burden of proof needed for a successful relation claim, and actions that school districts can take to preempt any claims of that nature.
Stephanos has the benefit of bringing a multifaceted professional perspective to her practice: in addition to her law degree, she earned a diploma in Special Education, certificates in both Reading and Elementary Education and taught Language Arts and Special Education for six years. Her practice involves ongoing consultation and representation of school districts in a variety of matters, including but not limited to IEP and Section 504 meetings and due process administrative hearings. She also prepares and presents special education audits with specific recommendations for overall programming, staffing and supports. She also provides in-house professional development programs on a variety of topics, including mock due process hearings, discipline, special education programming, the role of the local educational agency, and inclusion.
Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams, LLP was formed in 1995 by nine experienced education lawyers who created the first private law practice in Pennsylvania dedicated entirely to Education Law. Since then, the firm has grown to 20 attorneys who represent over 290 school and municipal entities as Solicitors or as Special Counsel in more than 50 counties throughout Pennsylvania.